Latest News: Major drug bust in Navi Mumbai’s Digha: MD worth ₹75 lakh seized, four arrested

Rabale MIDC Police seized ₹75 lakh worth MD drugs in Navi Mumbai’s Digha. Four were arrested, two absconded. Mastermind Shantabai is under search. Investigation into the wider drug network continues.

Navi Mumbai | 14 July ,2025: In a significant operation, Rabale MIDC Police seized 252 grams of MD (methedrone) worth ₹75 lakh in the Ishwar Nagar area of Digha, Navi Mumbai. The raid was conducted early Saturday morning based on secret information, leading to the arrest of four individuals. Two accused are still absconding.

Police had received intelligence that a woman named Shantabai and her son-in-law Roshan Basanna Naik were involved in the sale of MD powder in Digha. Both have previous cases registered under the NDPS Act. Taking the matter seriously, a team of three officers and 20 male and female personnel laid a trap at 7:30 am. At 8 am, they raided the residence and recovered a weighing scale, 250 empty plastic packets, and other materials used for drug packing.

The four arrested have been identified as Nilesh Basanna Naik, Shailesh Basanna Naik, Usha Roshan Naik, and Jyoti Nilesh Naik, all residents of Airoli, Navi Mumbai. The stock of MD powder was found hidden in their house.

Meanwhile, Roshan Basanna Naik and Shantabai managed to flee the scene. Police believe Shantabai is the main mastermind behind the operation. She and her son-in-law had allegedly been building a drug distribution network in the area for several months. All the accused have a criminal record under the NDPS Act, prompting a deeper investigation into their links and possible accomplices.

The seized MD has been sent for forensic analysis. A case has been registered at the Rabale MIDC Police Station under the NDPS Act. Police Inspector (Crime) stated that efforts are ongoing to trace the absconding accused and dismantle the entire drug network.

This operation is being hailed as a major step in the fight against drug trafficking in Navi Mumbai, aided by timely citizen alerts from the Digha area.